Wentworth Miller gets candid about depression, will make you rethink cruel memes

Wentworth Miller may play a guy with nefarious tendencies on DC's Legends of Tomorrow, but in real life, he's a full-on hero taking on internet baddies in a way that will hopefully make some people think twice before starting a cruel meme. 

The former Prison Break star, who will return or the upcoming revival, took to Facebook on Monday to criticize a meme that sought to poke fun at his appearance in a 2010 photograph. What the person behind the meme didn't know? The photo used was taken during a time in which Miller was struggling with depression and "suicidal." 

"In 2010, semi-retired from acting, I was keeping a low-profile for a number of reasons. First and foremost, I was suicidal," he wrote. "This is a subject I've since written about, spoken about, shared about. But at the time I suffered in silence. As so many do. The extent of my struggle known to very, very few." 

He continued: "Ashamed and in pain, I considered myself damaged goods. And the voices in my head urged me down the path to self-destruction. Not for the first time. I've struggled with depression since childhood. It's a battle that's cost me time, opportunities, relationships, and a thousand sleepless nights." 

In his troubles, he turned to food, which he says, was "the one thing I could look forward to" and "count on" to get him through. 

"There were stretches when the highlight of my week was a favorite meal and a new episode of TOP CHEF. Sometimes that was enough. Had to be," he wrote. "And I put on weight. Big f--king deal."  

Miller recalls first seeing the negative comments about his weight back in 2010 and the damage they did. But, he goes on to say, "Long story short, I survived."

"Now, when I see that image of me in my red T-shirt, a rare smile on my face, I am reminded of my struggle. My endurance and my perseverance in the face of all kinds of demons. Some within. Some without," he said.

He ends the lengthy post with some advice: "If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reach out. Text. Send an email. Pick up the phone. Someone cares. They're waiting to hear from you." 

Prison Break returns later this year to Fox and Legends of Tomorrow airs Thursdays on The CW.

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